BR112017003459B1 - BEVERAGE DISPENSER SET, TAP, AND METHOD FOR COOLING BEVERAGES - Google Patents

Abstract

BEVERAGE DISPENSER SET, TAP, AND BEVERAGE CHILLING METHOD. The beverage dispensing set (1), comprising an extraction column (2) and a tap (3) connected to the extraction column at a first end (4) thereof, wherein the extraction column (2) comprises a first (5) and a second (6) channel, in fluid communication near the faucet, and a beverage line (8) extending through one of the first (5) and second (6) channels and connected to the faucet ( 3), wherein the assembly (1) comprises a first part (9) and a second part (10) for connecting the tap (3) to the column (2), the second part (10) at least partially surrounding the first part (9), wherein the first part (9) is made of a first material and the second part is made of a second material, the second material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first material, wherein the line of drinks (8) is connected to the first part (9) and the second part (10) extends into and/or forms part of a wall of a chamber a (7) in which the first (5) and second (6) channels open, forming the fluid connection.

Description

[001] The invention relates to a beverage dispensing set. The invention further relates to a faucet of or for use in a beverage dispensing set. The invention further relates to a method for dispensing beverages.

[002] Beverage dispensing sets are known in the art in different constructions, for on-site and off-site use.

[003] It is known that to dispense beverages, such as carbonated beverages, especially beer, from a rigid metal or wooden container, such as a keg, keg, or vat, by feeding pressurized gas, such as CO2 into the container, forcing the drink out of the container.

[004] EP1289874 describes an extraction assembly having a disposable beverage line extending through one of a first and second channels in an extraction column, the beverage line forming a part of a dispensing valve. The first and second channels are in fluid communication at an upper end of the column, close to the faucet, so that a cooling medium, preferably air, can be circulated through the first and second channels to cool the beverage line to the faucet. .

[005] WO2006/103566, referring to EP1289874, discusses a beverage dispensing assembly in which separate cooling circuits are provided for cooling the extraction column as such and for cooling the beverage line within the extraction column . In WO2006/103566 the faucet as such is not discussed and may be a standard faucet.

[006] US8757445B2 describes an extraction assembly in which the faucet is entirely enclosed by a cold block to cool the faucet during and also between beverage portions. The faucet of US8757445B2 is specifically designed to be usable in such a system. US8757445B2 discusses prior art systems for cooling beverage lines and beverage faucets, for example in Fig. 10, all failing to describe a system in accordance with the present description.

[007] The present invention aims to provide an alternative extraction set. The present invention aims to provide a beverage dispensing assembly that is easy to operate and maintain, in which beverage cooling can be achieved up to the tap.

[008] At least one of these objectives can be achieved, at least in part, individually or in combination, by a beverage dispensing set and/or faucet in accordance with this description. Other objects and advantages may alternatively or additionally be obtained by the invention.

[009] In one aspect, a dispensing assembly according to the description may comprise an extraction column and a faucet connected to the extraction column at a first end thereof, wherein the extraction column comprises first and second channels. , in fluid communication near the faucet, and a beverage line extending through one of the first and second channels is connected to the faucet. The first and second channels may be in fluid connection with each other in a chamber and the faucet may have an end that extends into said chamber such that at least part of said chamber extends around a part outside of said end. The beverage line extends through said chamber for connection with said end of the faucet, so that during use the beverage inside the faucet is cooled by thermal conduction from the cooling medium flowing through said chamber. The faucet can be provided with a thermally insulating shield.

[0010] During use in a dispensing set of the present description, the faucet may be predominantly cooled by cooling fluid flowing through a chamber in which one end of the faucet extends, while the beverage line is cooled by said cooling fluid flowing into and/or from said chamber. The faucet is thermally insulated by a shield, so that it prevents the faucet from being heated by, for example, air surrounding the faucet or users handling the faucet. By keeping the faucet relatively cool, the microclimate and microbiology of the faucet can be improved. Using a chamber in which the faucet part extends from the intensive cooling of said end can be obtained, which can cool the faucet further by conduction. This means that the coolant can have a relatively low temperature, without the risk of cooling the faucet too much, and especially the drink it contains. By preventing the faucet temperature from being too low and/or providing thermal insulation shielding, the condensation of water vapor in the faucet air can be largely avoided.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention may be characterized by a beverage assembly comprising an extraction column and a tap connected to the extraction column at a first end thereof, wherein the extraction column comprises a first and a second channels, in fluid communication near the faucet, and a beverage line that extends through one of the first and second channels and is connected to the faucet. The faucet may comprise a first part and a second part, the second part at least partially surrounding the first part. The first part may be made of a first material and the second part of a second material. The second material may have a higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the first material. The beverage line is connected to the first part and the second part extends into and/or forms part of a wall of a chamber into which the first and second channels open, forming the fluid connection between the first and second channels.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention can be characterized by a beverage dispensing assembly, comprising an extraction column and a tap connected to the extraction column at a first end thereof, wherein the extraction column comprises a first and second channels, in fluid communication near the faucet, and a beverage line that extends through one of the first and second channels and is connected to the faucet. The faucet may comprise a first part and a second part, the second part at least partially surrounding the first part. The first part may be made of a first material and the second part of a second material. The beverage line is connected to the first part and the second part extends into and/or forms part of a wall of a chamber into which the first and second channels open, forming the fluid connection between the first and second channels. Preferably, the tap is provided with thermal insulation to prevent heating of the beverage at the tap.

[0013] In a third aspect, the present invention can be characterized by a faucet comprising a beverage channel and a valve, wherein at least the beverage channel and the valve are thermally insulated.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, the present invention can be characterized by a method for cooling beverages, especially beer, wherein the beverage is fed to a tap through a beverage line that forms part of a tube-in-tube line, so that a tube line channel within the tube is formed around the beverage line. The channel is in fluid connection with a second channel by a chamber at an upper end of an extraction column. A faucet is connected to the extraction column and the beverage line. A cooling means is forced through the chamber into close contact with an end of the faucet extending into said chamber, said end being surrounded by part of said chamber, wherein the faucet is cooled by heat conduction between said cooling means and at least said end of the faucet. The faucet can be shielded by a thermal insulation shield.

[0015] In order to further elucidate the present invention, its embodiments will be described and discussed below, with reference to the drawings. Here: Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of an extraction column with a tap; Fig. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an extraction column and tap along line A-A in Fig. 1, connected to a beverage container and a cooling system; Fig. 3A schematically shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper part of Fig. 2 along the line A-A in Fig. 1; Fig. 3B schematically shows a horizontal cross-sectional view from the top of Fig. 2 along the line L in Fig. 3A; Figs. 4 and 5 schematically show in a perspective view partially removed a connection assembly to connect a faucet to an extraction column, a beverage line and cooling system, from two different angles; Figs. 6A and B schematically show the connection set of Figs. 4 and 5, respectively, connected to a first and second channel; Fig. 7 schematically shows in an enlarged scale part of a dispensing assembly showing inter alia the connection between the tap and the extraction column, between the beverage line and the tap and between two channels and a chamber connecting the two channels; Figs. 8 and 9 schematically show two alternative embodiments of an extraction column for use in an assembly; Figs. 10 and 11 show two cross-sections of an alternative embodiment of an assembly of the present description; Fig. 12 shows a partially exploded view of a valved extraction column; and Figs. 13 and 14 show a lighting assembly and a faucet provided with such a lighting assembly.

[0016] In this description, embodiments of the invention are shown and described, by way of example only. These are in no way to be interpreted or understood to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In this description, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or similar reference signs. In this description, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to carbonated beverages, especially beer. However, other beverages may also be used in the present invention. This description describes faucets, at least in some embodiments, in a beverage dispensing set, which set is shown by way of example only. The same or similar faucets can be used with different beverage dispensing sets, including but not limited to branch sets, as described in the prior art, as noted in the introduction to this specification.

[0017] In this description, references above and below, top and bottom and the like are to be considered, unless specifically stipulated otherwise, to an orientation of the parts of the system as normally used, as for example illustrated in Fig. 2. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in which an extraction device of the present description or parts thereof should be used.

[0018] In this description, an extraction assembly must be described, which comprises at least an extraction column, a container and a tap to which the container must be coupled, as well as a source of pressurized gas, such as CO2. However, as a pressure fluid other gases such as air can be used. The fluid may be supplied in any suitable manner, as is known in the art. The container may be of any suitable type and construction, such as, but not limited to, a single-wall plastic or metal beverage keg, a compressible beverage container, or bag-in-container or bag-in-bag type container. The beverage line can be a fixed beverage line or a disposable beverage line. The former is to be understood to mean a beverage line that is typically used for a number of containers and is cleaned before being used for such containers. The latter is to be understood as meaning that the beverage line is typically retracted from the extraction column and exchanged for a different beverage line whenever a new container is to be connected, as is for example described in EP1289874.

[0019] In this description as a preferred cooling medium a liquid such as, but not limited to, water and/or glycol or such a product is described, reducing the freezing temperature of the water so that the cooling medium will remain fluid even near or below a temperature of about 0°C.

[0020] However, other means of cooling may be used, such as gas, for example, but not limited to air, for example, air from a cooling unit in which a container is closed, as is for example described in EP1289874. For cooling, a standard fluid cooling system can be used, such as, for example, in-line coolers, compressor-type coolers, piezoelectric cooling devices, ice banks or the like, as is known to the person skilled in the art.

[0021] In this description, dispensing systems with one tap per column will be discussed. However, different numbers of faucets can also be connected to a single column, while an extraction column can have entirely different configurations and constructions than those shown in this description by way of example. For example, a second separate cooling circuit could be provided to cool the column, as such, separate from the beverage line, as discussed in WO2006/103566.

[0022] In this description, words and statements such as substantially and approximately shall be understood at least to mean that slight deviations from a given parameter or characteristic to which it refers are also considered to have been described, for example, at least deviations from about 15% or less, more specifically at least 10% or less. In this description, thermal conductivity should be understood as thermal conductivity, the property of conducting heat (W/(m.K)).

[0023] A beverage dispensing set 1 according to this description, as for example illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 may comprise an extraction column 2 and a tap 3 connected to the extraction column 2 at a first end 4 thereof. The extraction column 2 may comprise a first channel 5 and a second channel 6. The first and second channels 5, 6 may be in fluid communication near the tap 3, for example by a chamber 7. A beverage line 8 extends through of one of the first 5 and second channels 6 and is or can be connected to the faucet 3. The faucet 3 of the set 1 comprises at least a first part 9 and a second part 10. The second part 10 at least partially surrounds the first part 9 , preferably abroad. The first part 9 can be made of a first material and the second part 10 of a second material. The second material preferably has a thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first material. The beverage line 8 is connected to the first part 9. At least a part 10A of the second part 10 extends into the chamber 7 into which the first and second channels 5, 6 open. The chamber 7 thus forms a fluid connection between the first and second channels 5, 6.

[0024] During use, a cooling medium such as, but not limited to, a fluid, for example water or glycol or a mixture of water and glycol or such a freezing temperature reducing agent is fed through the first and second channels 5, 6 and of the chamber 7, along the beverage line 8, so that it comes into close contact with at least part 10A of the second part that extends into the chamber 7. The first part 9 can be made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the second part 10.

[0025] The first part 9 is made of a material suitable for direct contact with the beverage, which is FDA approved, non-toxic and preferably non-corrosive. Alternatively, the first part can be made of plastic. The first part 9 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. This first part is easy to maintain, can be easily cleaned, and is not substantially prone to lasting contamination.

[0026] The second part 10 is preferably made of a material suitable for transferring cold from a cooling medium which flows past it to the first part, such as a highly heat-conducting material. The assembly is preferably constructed so that the second part does not come into contact with the beverage when dispensed and therefore less restrictions may be relevant to the material of the second material with respect to, for example, contact with the beverage. The second material may be a metal or metal alloy, such as light metal or light metal alloy. In this context, light metal is to be understood to mean at least one metal or metal alloy having a mass of about 5000 kg/m3 or less, such as, for example, but not limited to aluminum, magnesium and alloys thereof. . The second material can be plastic. The second material can be, for example, copper, bronze or brass.

[0027] As shown, for example, in Figs. 2, 3 and 7-12, the faucet 3 may be provided with a thermal insulation 11. The thermal insulation 11 may, for example, be foam or any other suitable material known to the person skilled in the art. In the embodiment shown, the thermal insulation may be enclosed within a faucet wall 3, for example between an inner wall part 12 and an outer wall part 13. An air space 14 may also be provided between the insulation 11 or the inner wall 12 and the second part 10. The outer wall part 13 can, for example, be made of metal, such as stainless steel, or of plastic or any other suitable material, which can be metallized to provide a metallic or at least a metallized appearance of the surface or faucet 3. The thermal insulation may form or may be part of a thermal insulation shield 59, as will be discussed.

[0028] As shown, for example, in Figs. 2 to 12, the tap 3 is connected to the extraction column 2 by a rod 16. A thermal insulating connector 15 is provided to connect the rod 16 and the back 28 to the column 2, as shown, for example, in Figs. 2 and 3. The insulating connector 15 can be, for example, a plastic and/or foam ring that isolates the rod 16 and thus the first and second parts 9, 10 from thermal contact with the column 2, so as to that the cooling of column 2 by cooling the medium flowing through channels 5, 6 and chamber 7 will be minimized and preferably avoided. The connector 15 can be mounted in an opening 17 in the first upper end 4 of the column 2 in any suitable way, for example, by threading, snapping, locking or any other suitable means and preferably closes the interior of the column. 2, which may, for example, be hollow or filled with an insulating means and/or may comprise other provisions, such as, for example, a second cooling circuit as is known from WO2006/103566 or may be suitable for the circulation of cooled air from a cooler on which column 2 can be mounted or to which it can be connected.

[0029] The beverage line 8 can be connected to the first part 9 at its rear end in any suitable way. In illustrated embodiments, for example, Figs. 2, 3, 6 - 9, the beverage line 8 can be connected to the first part by a quick coupling 35 as is known in the art. In the embodiments shown, a quick coupling is shown known as a JG connection.

[0030] Fig. 2 schematically shows the extraction column 2 connected to a cooling system 20 in fluid connection with the first 5 and second channels 6 of the extraction column 2. The cooling system comprises at least one circulation device 21 for circulating a means of cooling through at least the first 5 and second channels 6 and the chamber 7. In the illustrated embodiment, a first line 22 connects the cooling system 20 and the circulation device 21, which may be a pump, to the second channel 6. second line 23 connects the first channel 5 with the cooling system 20. Thus, the cooling medium can be circulated through the second and first channels 5, 6 and the chamber 7.

[0031] The beverage line 8 extends in the illustrated embodiment through the first channel 5, from a container 25 to the first part 9, coupled thereto as discussed. In this way, the first channel 5 and the beverage line 8 form a tube within a tube within the column 2. In the embodiment shown, the first channel is actually extended to the container 25 by a tube 24 connected to the first channel 5, in so that substantially the entire length between the container 25 and the faucet 3 is formed by a tube within a tube in which the beverage line 8 is submerged, i.e. surrounded by the cooling fluid. The tube can be flexible or rigid or a combination of the two. In the embodiment shown, the beverage and the cooling medium can be in counterflow, so that the cooling medium enters the chamber 7 through the second channel 6 and flows along the beverage line back to the container 25 and then to the cooling system 20, while the beverage flows from the container 5 to the tap 3 in counterflow, optimizing the cooling. However, obviously, the flow of the cooling medium can also be in the opposite direction.

[0032] Instead of the tube within the tube 24, 8, a known in-line cooling system can also be used to cool the beverage. The container 25 can be cooled in a cooler space, such as, for example, known from EP1289874 and WO2006/103566 and, if the distance between the container and the tap 3 is relatively short, then further cooling of the beverage between the container 25 and column 2 may not be needed. Other means known to those skilled in the art to cool and route a cooling fluid may also be used in the present invention.

[0033] A standard 26 container of pressurizing gas, such as, but not limited to, CO2. N 2 , air or mixtures of such gases may be provided to pressurize the beverage in the container 25, as is well known in the art, by directly forcing the gas into a compartment of the container containing the beverage, between a bag containing the beverage and a wall. outside of the container, for example in a BIC or BIB, or to compress a container containing the beverage.

[0034] As is illustrated for example in Figs. 2 and 3, 8 and 9, the faucet 3 will comprise a valve 18 operated by a handle 19 in any suitable manner as is known in the art. The valve 18 will block or release a flow path between the beverage line 8 and an outlet end 27 of the faucet 3 for dispensing a beverage. Insulation 11 is preferably provided along the flow path for the beverage through the tap 3, including the valve 18, so that minimal heat transfer will occur between the beverage at the tap and the surrounding air.

[0035] Figs. 4 - 11 show in more detail parts of a dispensing set 1 and especially the first and second parts 9, 10, the stem 16, the beverage line connection 8 and the faucet 3 to the column 2 by the stem 16 A back 28 may be provided, having a first connection 29, a second connection 30 and a third connection 31. The back 28 may be provided of any suitable material such as plastic or metal and may, for example, be cast, injection molded or made by any other suitable means. It has been found that it may be favorable to make the back part 28 also of metal, especially brass, in order to increase heat transfer to the faucet 3 and/or for manufacturing purposes, especially strength. Especially since the tap 3 has to be mounted on the rod held by said back part for the column. The first channel 5 can be connected to the first connection 29, the second channel 6 can be connected to the second connection 30 and the rod 16 can be connected to the third connection 31. As is, for example, shown in Figs. 4-11, the connector 15 can be mounted on the stem 16, between a flange 32 of the stem 16 and a flange on the back 28. In this embodiment, the stem 16 is threaded on the back 28. The first and second channels 5, 6 may, for example, be formed from flexible tubes, for example plastic tubes. In use, the back 28 will be mounted inside the column 2, behind and/or in the opening 17, preferably with the thermal insulating ring 15 between the back 28 and the edge of the opening 17. The rod 16 can then be mounted at the rear 28, preferably with an additional thermal insulation ring 15A between the flange 32 and the extraction column 2. Thus, the rear part 28 and the rod 16 are thermally insulated from the column 2. To this end, the column 2 may be provided with a hatch, cover or door or such a lockable entrance to provide access to the interior of the column so that at least the rear part can be mounted.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiments, the rod 16 has a portion 36 that forms part of a wall 32 of the chamber 7. The second portion 10 has a substantially tube-like shape with a rear end 37 extending into the chamber 7 and a section 38 substantially enclosed by, and in close contact with, stem 16 for mounting faucet 3. A length of second part 10 formed by part 10A extending between said rear end 37 and said section 38 extends towards inside the chamber 7. In the connecting means of the section can be provided to connect the second part 10 to the stem 16. Between the part 10A of the second part 10 and the wall part 36 of the stem 16 an annular part 40 of the chamber 7 is formed , increasing the contact surface for the cooling means and the first part 9 and especially the second part 10. The first part 9 is provided inside the second part 10 so that it is at least partially surrounded by it. On the rear part 10A of the second part 10 a chamber 41 is formed to contain the quick coupling 35. The tap 3 can be fitted to the rod 16 in any suitable way, for example by screw threads 42 or by bayonet fitting, for example. snap-fit, form a clasp or any other suitable means. Preferably, the faucet 3 can be mounted and reassembled so that it can be pulled at least partially off the stem 16, so that the beverage line 8 can be easily connected to or released from the faucet 3. This can allow for easy maintenance. and repair.

[0037] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 4-7, the faucet 3 may have a second part 10 formed by an outer portion 43 and a first part formed by an inner portion 44. The inner portion 44 may have a rear part facing the chamber 41 to receive the coupling 35, a neck portion 45 and a front portion 46 flared out of the chamber 41 and the neck 44. A tab 47 of the tap 3 can be pushed into the flare portion 46 so that a seal 48 can seal against the interior of said portion 46, thus providing a fluid-tight connection.

[0038] In Figs. 10 and 11, an alternative embodiment is shown, in which the faucet is of the free-flowing type, meaning that without a compensator as described in the embodiment of Figs. 4-7. In this embodiment, the interior portion 44 forming the first part 9 or part thereof is substantially straight and open, covering the interior of the second portion 43 forming the second part 10 or part thereof.

[0039] In preferred embodiments, the first part 9 and, more preferably, all parts up to and including the valve, which come into direct contact with the beverage, are made of stainless steel. In preferred embodiments, the second part is preferably made of a highly thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, copper, bronze or brass. Brass is a preferred material due to its high thermal conductivity. Alternatively, other materials can be used for the second part, such as, but not limited to, light metal.

[0040] Just as an example, it is known that stainless steel (stainless steel) has a thermal conductivity (W/(m.K)) less than 24, while bronze has a known thermal conductivity between 42 and 50, brass between 109 and 125 and copper between 350 and 400. Aluminum (pure) may have a thermal conductivity between 204 and 250. Preferably, a material is chosen having an optimal combination of thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, especially for the second part to be fitted to the rod.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 12 in the partially exploded view, the faucet 3 may have a faucet body 60, for example a substantially cylindrical faucet body 60, with a longitudinal axis L extending between the end 10A of the faucet within chamber 7 and an end 61. Insulating shield 59 has a substantially cylindrical inner chamber 62 which fits snugly over said faucet body 60 and a closed end 63 which fits over end 64 of faucet body 60 opposite end 10A extending inside of chamber 7. As schematically shown in Fig. 12, the faucet may have a removable spout 65 and a removable draw handle 19, so that the shield 59 can be slid over the faucet body 60 from the end 64 opposite the draw column 2, when the spout 65 and the extraction handle 19 are removed. The spout 65 may be mounted to the faucet body 60 through an opening 67 in the shield 59. The extraction handle 19 may have a forked mounting portion 68, in a known manner, having two legs 69 extending on either side of the faucet body 60. Each leg 69 can be connected to the valve 18, through appropriate openings 71 in the shield 59. The spout 65 and/or the extraction handle 19, especially the legs 69 thereof, are preferably thermally insulated from the additional faucet. . For this purpose, the legs 69 can be connected to the valve through thermal insulating elements 70, such as discs. Nozzle 69 may be made, in whole or in part, of a material with a low thermal conductivity, such as appropriately chosen plastic.

[0042] Preferably, the spout is thermally insulated and has low conductivity, so that it warms up to room temperature relatively quickly after dispensing of the chilled beverage has been completed, while preferably also any beverage left inside the spout is reduced to the minimum directly after closing valve 18, so that dripping is avoided and furthermore the humidity inside the nozzle is minimal. Surprisingly, this has been found to considerably improve the microclimate and microbiology within the nozzle and prevent contamination once dispensing is started again. Furthermore, making the spout easily removable it can be exchanged for a new spout easily, for example when changing from a container to a new one, again improving hygiene. Channels 5, 6 within the column are preferably also thermally insulated from the column.

[0043] By cooling the faucet 3, and especially the faucet body and valve 18 not too much, the shield 59 can be of an acceptable thickness to provide a better appearance. For example, so that the nozzle extends at least well below a lower part of the shield, and the shield has a larger cross-section perpendicular to the L-axis which is, for example, in the same order or smaller than an average cross-section of extraction column 2, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis D of column 2.

[0044] In embodiments, the first and second parts 9, 10 could be integrated and, for example, be made of the same material, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel or brass.

[0045] In use, the column 2 is mounted on a suitable surface, such as a bar, a top of a refrigerator or the like, by inserting a lower portion 52 of the column 2 through an opening in said surface, so that one end 50 comes to rest on said surface and the threading ring 51 against the underside of the surface. This is itself a known way of mounting a column 2 and other known means of mounting the column can also be used alternatively, for example by threading or screwing the column directly onto a surface. The first and second channels 5, 6 are connected to the cooling device 20 as shown. A beverage line 8 can be inserted through the first channel 5 so that a front end emerges from the opening 17 out of the rear 28 so that it can be hooked out of the column. The end of the beverage line 8 can then be inserted into the coupling 35, where after the tap 3 it can be inserted into the rod 16 mounted on the column. The shield 59 is then mounted on the faucet body 60 and the spout 65 and handle 19 are suitably mounted on the faucet body 60 via the shield 59.

[0046] By preventing condensation or at least reducing condensation in faucet 3 to a minimum, nozzle 69 can be prevented from becoming wet by such condensation flowing into and over the nozzle, which could be detrimental to hygiene and appearance tap 3, especially spout 65.

[0047] A container 25 can be connected to the opposite end of the beverage line 8, and the gas container 26 can be connected to the container 25, in a known manner. Afterwards, the cooling medium at an appropriate temperature can be circulated through the first and second channels 5, 6 and the chamber 7 to cool the beverage line 8 and especially its beverage, as well as the faucet 3 through thermal contact between the cooling medium and the first and/or second parts 9 and 10 in the chamber 7. The thermal conductivity and especially the ability to transfer cold through the first part 9 and especially the second part 10 and the tap insulation 3 and the connection between the stem 16 and/or back 28 and column 2 will provide an appropriate cooling temperature of the beverage, even at tap 3 before dispensing. This ensures not only a suitable dispensing temperature of the beverage, but also an appropriate microclimate and thus improved hygiene of the extraction set and especially the faucet over prior art systems in an easy and reliable manner. Preferably, the cooling medium is circulated countercurrently to the beverage flow.

[0048] In one example, the cooling medium is cooled to a temperature such that the beverage in the beverage line in chamber 7 is, for example, less than about 4°C, more specifically, about 3°C or less . Tap 3 and shield 59 may be designed so that cold conduction transfer of fluid in the chamber through the tap body leads to a temperature of the tap body 60 at or within the valve 18 that is slightly higher than in said chamber 7, for example, a temperature of about 6°C, which still provides acceptable hygiene and can be protected with a relatively thin shield 59 so as to minimize or prevent condensation on the outer surface of the shield.

[0049] Fig. 8 shows part of an alternative embodiment of an extraction column 2, wherein the top of the column 2 is angled rather than domed. As can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, 8 and 9, channels 5 and/or 6 can also be thermally insulated.

[0050] Fig. 9 schematically shows part of another alternative embodiment of a column 2, in which, on an outward facing side of the faucet 3, and thus in oral use facing a client, a cooled portion 55 of the column 2 is shown, which can be connected to a secondary cooling circuit or may be cooled in a different way, for example by piezoelectric cooling, so that said portion 55 may freeze and provide a frozen outer surface part of the column. Similar chilled portions may be provided in different positions.

[0051] A tap 3 provided with thermal insulation along a flow path for the beverage therethrough can also be used with different dispensing sets, with the same or similar effects. The shield 59 can have different configurations and can be adapted to be placed, especially slidingly, on different faucet bodies.

[0052] The second part, extending over a large part of the length of the first cold part, can be effectively transferred to the rod 16 and thus to the faucet 3, providing optimized cooling in a practical and efficient manner.

[0053] Figs. 13 and 14 show in cross-section and in exploded view a lighting system 100 for a beverage tap, as shown for example in Figs. 1 - 12. A similar lighting system 100 can be used in other extraction systems. Extraction systems, such as beer taps, may be provided with a lighting system to illuminate the beverage as it is dispensed from the spout 65 of the tap. The spout 65 that forms the outlet of the faucet provides proper flow of beverage from the faucet 3. It is appreciated to improve the visual appearance of the flow by illuminating the flow. It is known to provide a light source inside the faucet 3 so that the light from the emitted light source radiates out of the faucet 3 through the spout 65 and thus through the flowing beverage. A disadvantage of such a system is that the light source is within the space flowing through the beverage. This makes the light source vulnerable and can further influence the beverage, for example due to the added heat of the light source. Furthermore, providing the light source within the faucet is difficult and requires supplying power to the faucet, which can lead to sealing problems.

[0054] In the present description, a lighting system 100 is provided for illuminating a stream 101 of a beverage such as beer from a nozzle 65, without the light source being provided in the flow path of the beverage. The beverage will not come into contact with the light source 102. The spout 65 is provided with at least one light path 103 extending from a light inlet 106 near a wall 104, especially an outer wall of the spout 65 and a light outlet 108 at a lower end 105 of nozzle 65, at or near outlet 107 of nozzle 65. Light source 102 is positioned at or near light inlet 106 so that light from the light source 103 enters the light path or 103 and exits through the light outlet 108, along and/or in the stream 101 emitted from the nozzle 65. Preferably, multiple light paths 103 are provided around the periphery of the nozzle 65 so that that the light is emitted on different sides, preferably all sides of the stream 101 and/or in the stream 101 from different and preferably all sides of the stream 101, or a single light path 103 extending substantially in around flow 101, as for example will be described below.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 65 comprises a core part 109 made of a light transmitting material, such as a transparent and/or opaque material, for example plastic, such as for example Perspex, PC, PP, PE or the like, or glass, so that the core part 109 provides a tube of light around a beverage channel 110 extending through the spout 65, at the end of which the beverage outlet 107 is provided. Thus, the light output 108 will basically form a ring around the output 107 and so around the stream 101, emitting light around and/or in the stream 101. The inner wall of the core part 109 can be made of same material, e.g. formed by the inside of the core part 109 or may be covered by another material, such as a non-transparent or opaque material, e.g. a coating 111. The outer side 112 of the nozzle 65, around the part of core 109, may be covered by an outer layer, preferably a non-transparent layer to light, so that all light is channeled through the core portion 109. Layer 112 may, for example, be a metallic layer or a layer having a metallic appearance. The nozzle 65 may be made, for example, by injection molding, such as, for example, by 2 or 3K molding, overmolding, spray coating, or other suitable methods known to one skilled in the art.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, a lens 113 is provided in front of the light source 102, more specifically between the light source 102 and the light input 106 so that light is transmitted to the light path 103 or to light paths 103. light 103, such as the core part 109 itself. Nozzle 65 may be provided with an outwardly extending flange or shoulder 116 which can abut lens 113 and/or light source 102 and effectively form light inlet 106. The full circumferential extent of flange or shoulder 116 may form the light inlet 106 so that when the nozzle 65 is placed on the tap 3, e.g. threaded, it is less critical how the flange or shoulder 116 is positioned with respect to the light source 102 and/or lens 113.

[0057] The light inlet 106 can be positioned away from the lower end 105 and the opposite upper end 114. At the upper end 114 a coupling arrangement 115 can be provided, e.g. screw threads, so that the nozzle 65 can be properly mounted inside the faucet 3. Preferably, in a removable way, which can be easily changed. Another stop element, such as an arrangement 117 or the like, may be provided on the spout 65 to properly position the spout defining the extent to which it can be inserted into the faucet or faucet housing 59.

[0058] In the embodiments shown, the light source 102 and lens 113 are provided on a shield 118 mounted on the tap 3, more specifically, on the branch housing 59. Although they may also be provided on a different part of a tap 3, for example, on or near the handle 19. In the illustrated embodiments, the guard 118 is provided at a front end of the faucet housing, over the insulation 11. The guard 118 may be partially or entirely made of a light-transparent material and may , for example, support a logo. The shield 118 may be illuminated from the side facing the insulation 11 by the light source 102 or by another light source (not shown). Light source 102, or at least lens 113, if provided, can extend outside shield 118, so that when shield 118 is properly placed in housing 59, light source 102 and/or lens 113 project into the space in which the nozzle 65 is to be mounted, so that the light inlet 106, especially the shoulder or flange 116, is positioned in direct vicinity or in contact with the lens 113 and/or the light source. 102. The light source may be of any suitable type and preferably comprises one or more LEDs, OLEDs or a similar light source with relatively low power consumption. The light source may, for example, be connected to a battery encased in housing 59, for example between shield 118 and insulation. Alternatively or additionally the light source can be connected to another energy source, eg the mains, directly or indirectly. For this purpose, a plug and socket arrangement 119 may be provided between the light source 102 and a wiring extending through or along the column 2 and the faucet 3. Preferably, such an electrical connection is made when the shield is placed in housing 59.

[0059] In the embodiments shown, the light source 102 and any electrically conductive elements are kept separate from the beverage flow through and from the faucet 3 and especially the spout 65. Thus, any heat from the light source is kept away from the light source. drink. Furthermore, by making the spout 65 from a non-metallic material, and preferably a material that has a relatively low heat capacity, and by making the channel 110 therein substantially free of places where beverage may accumulate when the tap 3 and especially the valve 18 thereof is closed and prevents the nozzle 65 from being too cool or at least staying cool for a longer period. Preferably it will deflate substantially instantly when valve 18 is closed and thus become relatively dry and will rise in temperature above about 6 to 10°C or even above room temperature relatively quickly, which is preferable in terms of microbiology and general hygiene.

[0060] Light source 102 can be connected to a switch (not shown) with which light source 102 can be turned on and off. Light source 102 can be maintained during and between dispensing cycles, i.e. when valve 18 of faucet 3 is open and closed. Alternatively, the switch can be operated, for example, by the extraction handle 18 or by a beverage flow 101, so that only when the beverage is dispensed is the light source switched on and light is emitted from the light output 108. For example, when handle 18 is tilted forward, opening valve 18, light source 102 may be on while in a rest position, closing valve 18, light may be off. Of course, in other embodiments, the light source 102 can be kept on and the light emission between the light source 102 and all or all of the light paths 103 can be blocked, for example, by a valve piece that moves. therebetween, moving a shutter therebetween or changing the lens properties electrically or mechanically so that the shields are permanently illuminated while light is only emitted through the light output 108 when a stream 101 of beverage is dispensed. This shutter can, for example, be operated by the beverage flow 101.

[0061] The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments specifically described and discussed above. Many of its variations are possible, including, but not limited to, combinations of parts of embodiments shown and described. Cooling may be achieved in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, contact cooling, air cooling in the chamber, or any other such suitable means.

[0062] These any many other variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. Beverage dispensing set comprising an extraction column (2) and a tap (3) connected to the extraction column (2) at a first end (4) of the extraction column (2), wherein the extraction column extraction (2) comprises a first and a second channel (5, 6), in fluid communication near the tap (3), and a beverage line (8) extending through one of the first and second channels (5, 6). ) and connected to the faucet (3), characterized in that the first and second channels (5, 6) are in fluid connection with each other in a chamber (7) and in which the faucet (3) has an end that extends into said chamber (7), such that at least part of said chamber (7) extends around an outer part of said end, wherein the beverage line (8) extends through said chamber (7) for connection with said end of the faucet (3), so that during use, the beverage inside the faucet (3) is cooled by thermal conduction. mica from the cooling medium flowing through said chamber (7), wherein the tap (3) is provided with a thermal insulating shield (59). 2. Beverage dispensing set according to claim 1, characterized in that the set (1) comprises a first part (9) and a second part (10) that connects the faucet (3) to the column (2) and the extraction line, the second part (10) at least partially encircling the first part (9), wherein the beverage line (8) is connected to the first part (9) and the second part (10) extends towards within and/or form part of a wall (32) of the chamber (7) in which the first and second channels (5, 6) open, forming the fluid connection. 3. Beverage dispensing set according to claim 2, characterized in that the first part (9) is made of a first material and the second part (10) is made of a second material, the second material having a thermal conductivity which is higher than the thermal conductivity of the first material, wherein preferably the first material is stainless steel and/or the second material is copper, bronze or brass. 4. Beverage dispensing set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tap (3) is coupled to the extraction column (2) using a rod (16), wherein the rod (16) is coupled to the extraction column (2) by a thermal insulation connector (15). 5. Beverage dispensing set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage line (8) is connected to a beverage container (25) and a tube (24) extends along at least minus most of the length of the beverage line (8) between the container (25) and the extraction column channel (2) through which the beverage line (8) extends. 6. Beverage dispensing set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooling system (20) is provided that is in fluid connection with the first and second channels (5, 6) of the extraction column. (2), the cooling system (20) comprising at least one circulation device (21) for circulating a cooling medium through at least the first and second channels (5, 6) and the chamber (7) and, if provided, the tube that surrounds the beverage line (8). 7. Beverage dispensing set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage line (8) is connected to the first part (9) by a quick coupling (35). 8. Beverage dispensing set according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the thermal insulation shield (59) can be slid over the faucet (3), preferably from an opposite end. to the extraction column (2). 9. Beverage dispensing set according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the faucet (3) has a removable spout (65) and a removable extraction handle (19), so that the shield (59) ) can be slid over the tap (3) from an end opposite the extraction column (2) when the spout (65) and extraction handle (19) are removed, and wherein the spout (65) and handle extraction (19) can be mounted on the tap (3) through openings (67) in the shield (59), in which the nozzle (65) and/or the extraction handle (19) is (are) preferably insulated ) thermally from the additional tap. A beverage dispensing set as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the faucet (3) has a substantially cylindrical faucet body (60) with a longitudinal axis extending between the end of the faucet inside of the chamber (7) and an opposite end (61), wherein the insulating shield (59) has a substantially cylindrical inner chamber (62) fitting snugly over said faucet body (60) and a closed end fitting ( 63) over the end (64) of the faucet body (60) opposite the end (10A) that extends into the chamber (7). 11. Drink dispensing set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the faucet (3) has a compensator (47) with a compensator operating element, whose compensator operating element is covered by the insulating shield ( 59) when mounted on the faucet body (60). 12. Beverage dispensing set according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the faucet (3) is a faucet of the free-flowing type. 13. Faucet for a beverage dispensing set as defined in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a beverage channel (110) and a valve (18), wherein at least the beverage channel (110) and the valve (18) are thermally insulated. 14. Faucet according to claim 13, characterized in that the faucet (3) has an end for connection to an extraction column (2), by fitting said end to a rod (16), wherein the faucet (3) comprises first connecting means for connecting to second connecting means of the stem (16), which first connecting means are spaced from said end of the tap (3). 15. Faucet according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the faucet (3) comprises, between the valve (18) and connecting means for connecting a beverage line (8), first and second parts (9, 10), the second part (10) surrounding at least part of the first part (9), wherein the second part (10) extends along the connecting means for the beverage line (8) and is made of a heat conducting material, preferably a material having a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the material of the first part. 16. Method for cooling beverages, especially beer, characterized in that the beverage is fed to a faucet (3) as defined in claim 13 through a beverage line (8) that forms part of a pipe line within the pipe , so that a tube line channel within the tube is formed surrounding the beverage line (8), which channel is in fluid connection with a second channel (6) by a chamber (7) at the upper end of a column of extraction (2) where a faucet (3) is connected to the extraction column (2) and beverage line (8), wherein a cooling medium is forced through the chamber (7) into close contact with one end of the faucet (3) extending into said chamber (7), said end surrounded by part of said chamber (7), wherein the faucet (3) is cooled by heat conduction between said cooling means and at least the said end of the faucet (3), wherein the faucet (3) is shielded by an isoshield shield. thermal insulation, wherein the faucet preferably comprises, at and/or close to said end, a first and second part (9, 10), wherein the first part (9) is predominantly cooled by the second part (10) extending through the at least partially towards the chamber (7) and surrounding the first part (9) at least partially. 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the cooling medium in said chamber (7) has a temperature less than about 4°C, preferably less than about 3°C, and the faucet ( 3) has a faucet body (60) surrounding a beverage channel (110) and a valve (18), which faucet body (60) is cooled to a temperature above the temperature of the cooling medium in the chamber (7) preferably at a temperature of less than about 6°C. A beverage dispensing set according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is provided with a spout (65) having at least one light path defined by or through a spout wall ( 65) extending around a beverage channel of the spout, wherein a light source (102) is provided spaced from said channel to emit light to a light inlet (106) of the flow path, wherein an outlet light from the or each light path (103) is provided near an outlet end of the beverage channel (110). Faucet according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it is provided with a spout (65) having at least one light path defined by or through a wall of the spout (65) that extends around a beverage channel of the spout, wherein a light source (102) is provided spaced from said channel to emit light to a light inlet (106) of the flow path, wherein a light output from the or of each light path (103) is provided near an outlet end of the beverage channel (110)

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